See also

Switch to 3D CAD

We all live in 3D world

Create 3D part models and automatically get all the documentation that’s fully associative to the 3D design. Get virtual control of the mode – move and rotate components of assembly, set the real physical properties to your construction, such as mass and density, speed and acceleration, load and power.

The main disadvantage of the 2D design is unaware of collision problems or some other errors before model reach the manufacturing. . So enterprises are often forced to accompany drawings with assemble costly phisical prototypes (for example as first released product or first party). Errors in the drawings could be corrected on the already manufactured product that considerably slows the output and increase additional costs. Flexible modeling opportunities and ability to edit full parametric model give serious advantages to 3D CAD systems that’s automatically update design as changes are made.

Unlike 2D modelling 3D CAD systems allow you to simulate product before create drawings or physical prototypes. The main instrument in this case is a 3D computer model, where 3D-viewing and visualization give a lot of additional possibilities. If the image is equal hundreds words, the 3D model equal hundreds drawings. 2D modelling allows users to get just static documents, but with 3D you are able to rotate and view the the model from any point. It's easy to see the errors and inconsistencies in the project and assess its conformity with the original intent, as well as to validate future assembly how it collects for subsequent manufacture. As a result 3D modeling accelerates design process, helps to improve quality of construction and to avoid additional costs by fixing bugs at the designing stage.

The list of KOMPAS installations now exceeds 40 000 seats in automotive, heavy machinery, aerospace and other industries. Many of the current solution users initial worked in different 2D systems, but now through own experience realized the unquestionable preference of 3D design. One of them is OAO NPO “Iskra”, Russia. KOMPAS-3D helped the company reveal more than 60 essential design errors in one project which were made during the 2D drawing. An implementation of KOMPAS software solutions at the enterprise also allows designers and engineers quickly to obtain products basing on a once designed prototype thanks to use of own mathematical core and parametric technologies developed by ASCON specialists.

The design of products in KOMPAS-3D helped OAO NPO “Iskra”, Russia, reveal more than 60 essential design errors in one project which were made during the 2D drawing

But just visual checking is not enough for model validation - more serious testing is required. 3D technology helps these virtual methods. Models can be passed to computer aided engineering system, intended for comprehensive analysis products: functionality, strength, durability, resistance to vibration, manageability, security, maintainability, manufacturability and so on for 3D models, calculates the bulk-inertial characteristics, volume and other important physical parameters of the projected parts and assemblies. This allows to optimize the design of different physical properties. The feature gives a huge advantage to 3D methods in compare with two dimensional modelling. In 2D world there are only two options to check models: manual calculations and testing real prototypes. Both ways required considerable money and time investments. Analysis of virtual models is much cheaper and also develops number project execution and then chooses the most optimal solution.

Various Add-Ons for KOMPAS-3D help to make different analysis of designed products

Another serious advantage of 3D modeling is existing of associativity in designed models. If size of assembly is changed then it appropriately apply dimensions to related parts and components, and these changes will be reflected in the drawings and other documents. So such technology significantly reduces the amount of manual work and number of errors, while making changes in 2D drawing projects is a very laborious process.

Finally, very important advantage of 3D technology is that designer can reuse well-designed parts. It is much easier to make changes in an existing project instead of creating one from the beginning. Of course, further modifications of the projects requires a good knowledge of CAD functionality, as well as managing data must be organized very properly for easy and fast access.

Nowadays the use of modern 3D systems considerably to improve designing process - only with its help enterprises are able to create digital prototype products and thus reduce number of errors, physical prototypes and production costs, accelerate products on the market, focus on business.